Smithville R‑II board approves levy‑transfer question and bond language for April election

The Smithville R‑II Board of Education on Monday approved ballot language for an April 2025 levy transfer and a bond question and adopted a list of capital improvement project priorities to be used if voters approve the measure.

Board members and staff described the package as a two‑part approach: a 30¢ operating levy transfer intended to fund compensation and staffing without raising the district’s overall tax burden, and a bond question to pay for facility work. Administration said the levy transfer would reduce the debt service levy by the same amount and leave the district’s total tax levy unchanged as presented to the board.

The vote followed extended discussion about community outreach and scope. Board members and staff told the board they had gathered input through building tours, a 2022 community forum, the district’s 10‑year planning process and an online survey of about 700 responses; some board members pressed for more controlled outreach that ensures taxpayers — not only students or non‑residents — were represented. Staff said further targeted engagement and focus groups would follow if the board moved the measure to the ballot.

On scope, board members asked whether “modernize” softball and baseball facilities in the bond language would commit the district to full‑field turf. Administration replied the ballot wording is intentionally high‑level and that specific design and scope decisions (for example, a turf infield vs. full‑field turf) would be developed with stakeholders during the design phase. The board approved a redraft changing the phrase to “improve” where the board requested that change.

Administration estimated the levy transfer would generate roughly $1.2 million annually; staff described that figure as comparable to the district’s recent step/ lane compensation increases. The board and staff also discussed bonding capacity, debt service levy limits and timing for campaign outreach, and administration said it plans an “inside‑out” roadshow beginning in January to brief staff, community groups and neighborhood organizations.

Procedural details: the board passed two separate motions — one to approve the levy‑transfer resolution and one to approve the bond question language (with the small wording change described above). Both votes were taken by show of hands and passed.

Board members who spoke in the discussion included Superintendent Mark Moss and several board members identified by first name in the transcript; financial and bond planning support came from Dr. Reich (Raymond James). Administration said further cost and schematic work would be done with the district’s chosen design firm and that a more detailed deferred‑maintenance list will be delivered to the board in February.

The board also approved a separate, broader capital improvement list as the planning baseline for the ballot question; administration described the list as a working foundation for projects across the high school, middle school and elementary buildings and said the district would refine scope and phasing in collaboration with architects and stakeholders going forward.

If voters approve the bond, the district would proceed to schematic design and prioritized construction phasing; if voters reject it, the district would need to reevaluate the timing and mix of projects.